Destin, Florida is famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, attracting tourists all year round. However, one of the best-kept secrets about visiting Destin is the lower crowds and more relaxed atmosphere during the fall.
Fall in Destin (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) means less crowding than peak summer months, thanks to various factors. As fall marks the end of the summer break, families with school-age children are less likely to travel during this time. Fewer tourists visit the Destin area in the fall because of changes in family travel patterns, making it more peaceful and less crowded for those who come.
Here are the top 9 things to love about the fall season in Destin:
1) Lower Crowds
With fewer tourists around, the beaches, restaurants, and local attractions become more serene and enjoyable. You’ll have more space to relax on the beach, shorter wait times at popular restaurants, and a more authentic interaction with the local community.
November and early December are the quietest parts of fall and it’s a beautiful time to be in Destin. Swimming at the beach starts to get a bit chilly for most, but some people will still be out in the water.
The weather is unpredictable in November and December—sometimes hot and sometimes cold—so I recommend staying somewhere with a nice heated pool in case it’s chilly and you still want to swim. Check out my post about the Best Pools in Destin here: The 9 Best Resort Pools in Destin, Florida
September on the other hand, greatly combines warm beach temperatures and low crowds, so it’s a great time to visit if you want to swim and enjoy warm summer weather without the summer crowds. If you plan to visit Destin in September, check out my detailed guide: September in Destin: Guide to Weather, Crowds, Events & More
October has become a busy month in Destin because of the growing popularity of fall breaks at schools. It’s still not as busy as summer, but feels pretty close sometimes. It’s still one of the best months to visit, with mostly amazing weather and lots of fun festivals and events to enjoy.
October will see a rise in families visiting the area after a mostly adult crowd in September. If you plan to visit Destin in October, check out my detailed guide: October in Destin: Best Events to Welcome Fall
2) Lower Prices
Since fall is considered an off-peak season for tourism in Destin, you’re more likely to find lower prices on accommodations, flights, and other amenities. Travelers can take advantage of these cost savings while still enjoying all the beauty and activities that Destin has to offer.
November 1st typically starts the lowest of the off-season pricing on accommodations, which is why it’s the most popular time for snowbirds to start arriving to Destin and the Emerald Coast. Starting in November, many places offer monthly rates instead of just daily and weekly rates.
Rates will also be lower in September when kids are in school and families aren’t traveling as much, but still not as low as November because of the amazingly warm beach weather people still come to enjoy in September. September rates are still much lower than summer and spring though, so it’s a great time to visit if you can travel during that time.
October’s events and popularity will cause accommodation rates to rise, but still not as high as in spring and summer.
3) Sunrises and Sunsets over the Water
Destin has amazing sunrises and sunsets all year, but did you know they are only over the Gulf of Mexico water from October through March? Because of our unique south facing beaches, the sun will rise and set over land the rest of the year (which usually means behind the homes and condos when you are watching from the beach). So definitely don’t miss the sunrises and sunsets on your fall visit to Destin!
The sun is further out to sea during sunrise and sunset in December and January, but the fall sunsets are still the best in my opinion. The weather in warmer months brings stormy skies and interesting clouds more often, unlike the typically clear skies of winter. All Destin sunsets and sunrises are amazing, but fall is the best!
For a detailed guide to sunset and sunrises directions and the best places to watch during various times of the year, check out my post here: Sunset in Destin, Florida: The 6 Best Places to Watch
4) Comfortable Weather
While Destin experiences warm temperatures well into the fall, they are much more comfortable than the scorching summer heat. Fall is a great time to visit for those who want to enjoy outdoor attractions without extreme heat.
October has an average high of 80 degrees and an average low of 64. Most people consider that to be pretty perfect weather–warm during the day and cooler at night. November has an average high of 71 and low of 54, while December has an average high of 64 and low of 48.
The temperatures in fall in Destin vary and can be unpredictable, but overall it’s a nice mild time between the heat and humidity of summer and the often chilly temperatures of winter.
5) Beach Bonfires
Having a bonfire on the beach with friends and family during the perfect fall weather is a truly magical and memorable experience. The warm fire, sound of waves, and autumn air create an atmosphere for bonding, relaxation, and togetherness. Fall’s cooler temperatures make the fire more inviting and encourage people to gather and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Creating a tradition of having beach bonfires during the fall can lead to cherished memories you’ll look back on fondly for years to come. These experiences can become a unique part of your family or friend group’s history and even turn into an annual tradition.
You can either host your own beach bonfire (with a permit) or hire a company to do it for you. There is also a free public beach bonfire in Miramar Beach year-round. For information on the rules, regulations and everything else you need to know about having a beach bonfire in the Destin area, check out my detailed guide here: How to have a Beach Bonfire in Destin, Miramar Beach and 30a
6) Fall Festivals
Fall is full of fun festivals on the Emerald Coast celebrating food, drinks, art and everything in-between. One of the most popular festivals is the Baytowne Beer Festival in October. And if you enjoy some bubbly, don’t miss my favorite event of the fall—the Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival. There’s also a really fun Oyster Festival at Harborwalk Village, several art festivals in the area, and much more.
For details and tickets to all the best fall festivals in the Destin area, check out my guide to the best annual Destin festivals here: 11 Amazing Destin Food and Drink Festivals Not to Miss
7) Fireworks
Fireworks are a big part of the weekly summer fun in Destin area, but there’s also quite a few fall shows to enjoy in October, November and December.
Harborwalk Village does fireworks over Destin Harbor every Saturday in October and then one more show in early December following the Lighted Boat Parade on Destin Harbor.
For more information and best places to watch the Lighted Boat Parade, check out my post here: Best Places to Watch the Lighted Christmas Boat Parade on Destin Harbor. Also read my Destin Harbor fireworks guide for the best places to watch the fireworks and the entire schedule of shows: 6 Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks
The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk does a Halloween Fireworks Show on October 31st at the end of the fishing pier over the Gulf of Mexico. For information about the best places to watch them and the entire schedule of upcoming Okaloosa Island pier shows, check out my detailed guide: Where to Watch the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks
Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort also has several fall fireworks shows. They have a Halloween themed fireworks show on October 31st and a Christmas themed show in November for Santa’s arrival. Both of those are different fireworks than the weekly summer shows and they are choreographed to holiday music. For more information, best viewing spots, and the entire schedule of upcoming shows, check out my detailed guide here: Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks
8) Destin Fishing Rodeo
The Destin Fishing Rodeo is an annual fishing tournament that takes place during the entire month of October in Destin, Florida. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a rich history of fishing, and the Fishing Rodeo is a celebration of this heritage and a showcase of the area’s bountiful marine resources.
The event has been a staple of the local community and a highlight of the fall season for both anglers and spectators alike since 1948 when it first began. It’s the oldest annual tradition in Destin! The Destin Fishing Rodeo spans the entire month of October, giving participants ample time to try their luck in the Gulf of Mexico’s productive waters.
For more details about the Destin Fishing Rodeo, check out my post here: Destin Fishing Rodeo: Everything you Need to Know
9) Holiday Events
Christmas might be in winter, but the holiday events and celebrations in Destin start in the fall—and there’s no shortage of them. Celebrating Christmas in a beach town adds a unique and delightful twist to the holiday season. The combination of festive cheer and coastal charm creates an atmosphere that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
In late November, Santa’s arrival events and Christmas tree lightings begin. In early December, the annual Christmas parade and lighted boat parade follow. There’s also holiday markets, Christmas fireworks shows, holiday light displays, and much more to enjoy in November and early December in Destin. I wrote a detailed guide to the holiday events and what to expect as far as crowds and weather that time of year here: Christmas in Destin: Ultimate Guide to the Holiday Season
I hope this list helps you plan the perfect fall trip to Destin! For more information on visiting Destin other times of year, check out my post here: Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida: A detailed month-by-month guide
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